The exchange between Morris, 39, and Van Buren County Circuit Judge Kathleen M. Brickley came as Morris pleaded guilty to two counts of larceny of more than $200 but less than $1,000.

The misdemeanors are each punishable by up to one year in jail.

By entering the plea, Morris avoided going to trial on two counts of larceny in a building, felonies each punishable by up to four years in prison. Both charges will be dismissed when he is sentenced next month by Brickley.

During the hearing Wednesday, Morris admitted to stealing Tramadol, a prescription pain reliever, on two separate occasions on Jan. 9 while he was on duty in the county jail.

Morris, of Fulton, is currently on administrative leave without pay from the sheriff's office pending the outcome of his case.

Cass County Assistant Prosecutor Kirk Metzger said Wednesday that prosecutors will ask that, as a term of his sentence in the case, Morris no longer be able to work in law enforcement or as a corrections officer.

“At sentencing that will be addressed,” Metzger said.

Morris and his attorney, Christine Yancey, declined to comment following the court hearing.

The case against Morris is being handled by the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office and presided over by Brickley because Morris is a deputy in St. Joseph County.

Morris is scheduled to be back in Brickley’s courtroom April 8 for sentencing.